Who says that pilgrimage destinations have to look as old as they are? Located in Saudi Arabia, the architects of the Abraj Al Bait Towers–otherwise known as Mecca Royal Hotel Clock Tower–strove to foster a modernized and record-breaking mecca for its visitors. The towers boast the title of world’s largest clock face and world’s tallest hotel.

Not a single space within Antonin Gaudí’s intricate Sagrada Familia is without symbolism, including the ceiling. The ornate columns are meant to resemble trees.

Source: Flickr, http://www.flickr.com/photos/james_breeze/8112651870/sizes/l/in/photostream/

Building blocks of humankind, meet the building blocks of cities.